Herbs and Aroma Therapy for Yoga

Yoga practice is not just about getting to the mat, but taking care of yourself off the mat as well. Your body, your mind, and your spirit. Achieving balance and good health is what we strive for, but when we become more conscious of the way our body feels, and what it needs we can take it to much deeper levels. Two ways to do that is with preparation for yoga through using herbs and aromas.

The best herbs for yoga are Ashwagandha, one of the most revered and prized herbs in the Ayurveda pharmacopeia. It’s known as the premier Ayurvedic ramayana (or rejuvenative) tonic because of it’s superior ability to nourish the whole body and mind, and it supports strength of the muscles. Gotu Kola (Brahmi) is known as a mental rejuvenate that supports healthy brain and nervous system functions as well as joint health. Tumeric helps with the musculoskeletal system as an anti-inflammatory. Mahanarayan Oil is a herbalized oil and used externally in Abbyhanga (self body massage) for musculoskeletal lubercation and purification. It is also an anti-inflammatory. 

Best Aromatics for Yoga are Eucalyptus and conifers, they provide atmospheric purification, pranayama, and respiratory support. Flower oils of chamomile rose, geranium and lavender are used as a calmative, atmospheric purification, and are cooling to the mind and body, and sacred scents of sandalwood, agarwood, frankincense, and palo santo are all meditative and mood enhancing, bringing in feelings of devotion and concentration.